Pinking / pre-detonation

CARRisma · Post by **CARRisma** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:31 pm

It seems my car may be suffering from mild pinking / pre-detonation. It started after what I assume was a dodgy tank of petrol last summer in northern Italy.

I've read conflicting stories whether timing can be adjusted. Maybe on some Preludes it can, and others, it can't?

Other than ignition timing, what else could I do? I'm assuming spark plugs & HT leads are next after timing?

Max · Post by **Max** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:37 pm

Timing can only be adjusted via the distributor with a timing gun, if it was knocking surely it would throw a code for the knock sensor? Are you getting any EML?

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:56 pm

No knock sensor on the h22a8. Get it booked into a trusted garage to check the timing.

Max · Post by **Max** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 7:33 pm

That's surprising, I've not worked on a Honda engine that didn't have one yet, learn something everyday!

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 7:36 pm

Max wrote:That's surprising, I've not worked on a Honda engine that didn't have one yet, learn something everyday!

Not 100% sure but all UK spec h22s don't have a knock sensor.

Post by **Gayno** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 8:58 pm

I was under the same impression, only JDM have knock sensor.

Post by **vanzep** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:11 pm

timing was out on my 4th gen JDM BB4 and it pinked in low to middle rpm band - knock sensor didnt throw a code

@Merlin had a few goes with timing on his 5th gen and im sure he found you could do something

maybe get valve clearances done after doing t belt

Post by **Merlin** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:52 pm

The H22a8 is the only UK prelude engine to have a knock sensor. Dodgy fuel would have passed through. I accidentally had predetonation once due to the wrong fuel, and it was fine after.

Ignition timing can be set the same way as 4th gens, there is a guide in the wiki.

CARRisma · Post by **CARRisma** » Tue Feb 28, 2017 5:35 pm

Thanks people, I'll get the timing checked / adjusted. Yep, mine does have a knock sensor, was replaced a few years ago when I broke it, at great expense. And no, no EML / CELs are showing.

Can I assume that lightweight Fidanza flywheels have the markings on like a standard OEM flywheel?

If the timing is OK, what would be next on the list?

Post by **Merlin** » Wed Mar 01, 2017 9:00 am

Yeah the Fidanza has the proper timing marks.

If it is predetonation surely it could only be the distributor?